Sound Off

Sound Off

March 31, 1993

Tuesday's question: Should the Navy tell officials when it will ship spent nuclear fuel?

YES: 12

Any known threat to the welfare of the public should be announced with propersecurity, whether it be natural or manmade. ... We have a right to know. ... Especially if it's going through my neighborhood. ... Public officials should be informed of these shipments. Otherwise, there's no accountability on the part of the Navy. ... Forewarned is forearmed. ... Public officials should have a right to know in case there are any accidents. It shouldn't be kept secret. ... They must, so they can at least clear the path of travel for people who don't want to be around it.

NO: 45

We have too many crackpots who might want to derail a train and cause problems. ... The fewer people who know about these shipments, the better off everybody is. That way, there's less probability of terrorists or others disrupting it and causing an accident. ... It's not necessary. They take care of it properly. ... It's a matter of national security. ... They're equipped to move it, it's got to be moved, why advertise it? ... Those who need to know will be notified. Those who don't should MYOB and not threaten national security. ... Officials should be convinced the shipment is safe but the public should not know when it takes place. ... Get these do-gooders out of town. ... It would serve no purpose.